Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

This Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. Perfect for gatherings or as a light meal, this recipe combines tender grilled chicken skewers with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. The balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors makes it an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
• For the Chicken Satay:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
• Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce
• Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 3: Prepare the Grill
• Step 4: Grill the Chicken
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
• With Fresh Vegetables
• With Rice
• As Part of a Platter
• How to Perfect Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
• Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
• Reheating Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce?
• How can I customize my Thai Chicken Satay?
• Can I use other meats for satay?
• Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
• How long does it take to prepare this dish?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The combination of spices in the marinade and dipping sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up this dish without any fuss.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, or pair it with sides like jasmine rice and salads.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Both the sauce and marinated chicken can be prepared in advance for convenience.
• Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bamboo skewers
• Blender or food processor
• Medium mixing bowl
• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Bamboo skewers: Perfect for threading chicken pieces for even grilling.
• Blender or food processor: Ensures a smooth marinade and peanut sauce without any lumps.
• Mixing bowl: Helps in combining ingredients effectively for the peanut sauce.
• Grill: Provides that authentic smoky flavor to your chicken satay.

Ingredients

For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup hot water
• 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar or light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 lime)
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt, to taste

For the Chicken Satay:

• 1 stalk lemongrass, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar or light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic (about 2 medium cloves)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into ½-inch strips lengthwise
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

PIN THIS!

How to Make Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and hot water until smooth. Stir in red curry paste, palm sugar, Sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and scallions. Season with salt to taste. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a blender or food processor, combine lemongrass, vegetable oil, fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, turmeric, garlic, coriander, and Sriracha. Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.

Place the chicken strips in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl and pour in the marinade. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours while turning occasionally to ensure even marination.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

If using a charcoal grill, light one chimney full of charcoal. When covered with gray ash, pour it out and spread evenly over the coal grate. Set the cooking grate in place; cover and preheat for about 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked bamboo skewers. Grill each skewer for about 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer them to a platter and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Thai chicken satay skewers warm alongside the spicy peanut dipping sauce. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Serving Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce is all about enhancing its flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber Slices: Crisp cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch that complements the satay.
• Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy, carrot sticks provide a nice contrast to the spicy flavors.
• Celery Sticks: The mild flavor of celery pairs well with the bold taste of the chicken and sauce.

With Rice

• Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, jasmine rice absorbs the flavors of the peanut sauce beautifully.
• Sticky Rice: This chewy rice is perfect for enjoying with satay, adding an interesting texture to each bite.

As Part of a Platter

• Mixed Appetizer Platter: Include other Thai appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings for a festive touch.
• Skewers Variety: Serve different meat skewers alongside for added variety and flavor exploration.

How to Perfect Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

To elevate your Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Bold Marinade: Use fresh ingredients in your marinade for maximum flavor impact. Fresh garlic and lime juice make a big difference.
• Soak Skewers: Always soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Grill Confidence: Preheat your grill properly; it helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and locks in moisture.
• Rest the Meat: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the spiciness of your peanut sauce by adjusting the amount of Sriracha or red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
• Garnish Generously: Add chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts on top before serving for an appealing finish.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Pairing side dishes with Thai Chicken Satay can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

1. Thai Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, and herbs, perfect for cutting through richness.
2. Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy adds a nutritious green element that’s simple yet flavorful.
3. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies add acidity that balances the sweetness of the satay sauce.
4. Fried Rice: Fluffy fried rice infused with vegetables makes a hearty companion to the dish.
5. Mango Sticky Rice: For those who love dessert, this sweet treat offers a delightful contrast after your savory meal.
6. Thai Noodle Salad: A light noodle salad dressed in sesame oil provides added texture and flavor diversity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour is crucial. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Not Soaking Skewers: If you use wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Grill the chicken until it’s just cooked through. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, ruining your satay experience.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: If your peanut sauce is too thick, add a bit more hot water to achieve a creamy texture. A well-balanced sauce enhances your satay.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key for authentic flavor. Invest in high-quality peanut butter and spices for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce in an airtight container.
• item It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

• item Freeze the chicken satay skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• item They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. For best results, freeze without the dipping sauce.

Reheating Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat skewers on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and rewarm skewers for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce?

Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce consists of marinated grilled chicken skewers served with a creamy, spicy dip made from peanut butter and seasonings.

How can I customize my Thai Chicken Satay?

You can customize your Thai Chicken Satay by adding different spices or herbs to the marinade or adjusting the spice level of the peanut sauce according to your taste.

Can I use other meats for satay?

Yes! While chicken is popular, you can also use beef, pork, or tofu as alternatives for Thai Chicken Satay.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan. Ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

The total time to prepare Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce is approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes, including marination time.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce is not only bursting with flavor but also offers versatility as an appetizer or light meal. Feel free to experiment with different proteins or serve with various sides like jasmine rice or cucumber salad. Enjoy this delicious dish at your next gathering!

---